Bars Proud Of Versatility On Offensive Line

Notre Dame captain Alex Bars has seen it all during his first four seasons in South Bend, but he’s also experienced what many of his fellow linemen are going through. 

The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder had to demonstrate patience to get on the field, but then he bounced from tackle to guard when he did break into the rotation. 

Junior Tommy Kraemer started at right tackle last fall but moved to guard in the spring. However, Kraemer has found himself back outside with the injury to Robert Hainsey, who is expected to be back at practice on Tuesday. 

Bars doesn’t envy swinging back and forth but knows Kraemer has the talent to play both at a high level. 

“It’s a different skill set because at tackle you’re out there on your own in a way,” Bars explained. “At guard, you’re connecting the center to the right tackle. Tommy has done a great job of being able to shift from right guard to right tackle and back to right guard. 

“He’s been able to communicate different blocks and pressure looks from each position. He’s done a really good job.”


The injury to Hainsey has caused offensive line coach Jeff Quinn to play around with a few different combinations over the last week, but his unit takes pride in being able to step in for each other. 

“It’s not affecting the group because each guy understands each guy needs to be versatile,” Bars said of the injury to Hainsey. “We don’t just ask the right guard questions about right guard in film. We have to understand the whole offense as a whole. 

“Coach Quinn makes sure each player understands the offense, where the ball is going and what our target is supposed to be. It’s just a matter of different players being able to step up in those roles.”

One of those players in sophomore Josh Lugg, who has received a lot of first-team reps at right guard as Kraemer bounces outside. 

“Lugg was fortunate to play behind Q last year and was able to watch him day in and day out,” stated Bars. “Lugg did a great job of taking advantage of the opportunities, and I’m excited to see what he can do.” 

Lugg’s classmate Dillan Gibbons has also caught the attention of Bars. 

“Dillan has done a great job of developing as a player,” Bars said. “He is getting in the film room to understand the offense and football. It’s great to see.” 

As he wrapped up his final camp at Notre Dame on Friday, Bars admitted this camp was different as he had a “C” on his chest. 

“You just have to be the same guy every day for your teammates,” explained Bars. “You can’t be tired. You have to come to work and bring the energy with you consistently. Some days you feel like whatever, but you have to be the guy everyone looks to on and off the field.” 

Bars also had a little feedback on two of Notre Dame's freshmen defensive linemen as he see's Ja'mion Franklin and Jayson Admilola on a daily basis. 

"Ja’mion is pretty quick," said Bars. "He’s got a nice club and he’s powerful. Jayson has a pretty quick step and he’s big. I know his brother is little bit smaller, but he’s built well. Jayson’s effort to run after the ball is impressive as well.”